I have a sweet young elm tree that planted itself too close to my wooden fence, right on the property line. It’s probably about 10 years old, and I guess it had a growth spurt this spring and knocked part of my fence over. It’s not a good thing when you have a dog, but keeping my fingers crossed I can save the elm.

Thank you! This poem is the second to last poem in my manuscript (Swallow Tongue), so I was looking all of the poems together and making sure I wasn’t repeating too many things. I had originally had it as an ash tree, but I used ash trees or the word “ash” in several other poems, so I chose elm instead to make it a little different. I also really like using trees and plant life indigenous to the this area.

Good luck with the elm! The previous home owners actually cut a hole in their face to be around a tree right on the property line. The fence is snug against the tree, so there’s no gaps. Maybe an idea for you guys?